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EFSA confirms low incidence of TSEs in the EU
Five cases of BSE in cattle in the EU were reported in 2016 - none of which entered the food chain.

UK did not report any cases of the disease in 2016

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed a low incidence of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) in the EU.

The findings are published in EFSA's second EU summary report which provides results of data gathered by EU Member States, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland for 2016.  It’s main findings are:

    •    five cases of BSE in cattle (out of 1,352,585 animals tested) in the EU – none of which entered the food chain. Only one of these was classified as classical BSE. The animal was born after the EU ban on the use of animal proteins in livestock feed was enforced in 2001.

    •    685 cases of scrapie in sheep (out of 286,351 tested) and 634 in goats (out of 110,832 tested) in the EU.

    •    no cases of CWD in any of the 2,712 cervids tested (e.g. reindeer, elk and moose) in the EU. However, five cases of CWD were reported in Norway: three in wild reindeer and two in moose.

For the first time since the BSE epidemic started, and BSE cases have been reported, the UK did not report any cases of the disease. 

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.